Free- by the Grace of God
Sunday, we launched a six-week series called "FREE" exploring God's grace through Jesus's "I Am" statements in John's Gospel. While we know that grace is FREE, we often bring a "fine print mindset" to God's grace, wondering if it's truly free or if we must earn it. John 6:22-40 tells the story of the crowd seeking Jesus after the feeding of the 5,000, but Jesus reveals they're pursuing Him for physical bread rather than spiritual truth. He contrasts perishable food with eternal spiritual nourishment, declaring "I am the bread of life." The central message emphasizes that salvation is a completely free gift requiring only belief—trusting that Jesus, as the Son of God, offers eternal life through His death, burial, and resurrection. There are no conditions, works, or fine print—just the simple act of receiving what God freely gives.
Discussion Questions:
- When have you encountered "fine print" or hidden conditions that caught you off guard? How did that experience affect your trust?
- What comes to mind when you hear the phrase "too good to be true"? Why do we instinctively look for catches in generous offers?
- In John 6:26, Jesus says the crowds sought Him "not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled." What's the difference between seeking Jesus for physical needs versus seeking Him for spiritual truth?
- When the crowd asks, "What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?" (v. 28), what does their question reveal about their understanding of salvation? How does Jesus's answer surprise them?
- Jesus says, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent" (v. 29). Why is it significant that the only thing required is belief? What makes this challenging for people to accept?
- Russell explained that believing means considering three things to be true: (1) Jesus offers eternal life, (2) Jesus is the Son of God extending this offer, and (3) Jesus's death, burial, and resurrection verify the offer. Which of these three is hardest for people in our culture to accept?
- The sermon uses the lifeboat illustration where three passengers respond differently to salvation. Which passenger's response most closely resembles how you or people you know typically respond to the gospel?
- What practical steps can we take to live more freely in God's grace rather than trying to earn or maintain His favor?
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